Apal Sideri and OmCider Launch Award-Winning Ciders in Barcelona

In the iconic venue Esferic, located in Barcelona’s Montjuïc Park, over 100 guests from the Spanish HoReCa sector (hotel, restaurant, and catering), along with influencers and the press, will experience ciders of the highest quality. The event, led by Gabe Cook – also known as The Ciderologist – will offer tastings of several award-winning products from Apal Sideri and OmCider, including “Sølvsider” and “Valagubben,” as well as ciders made using the classic méthode traditionnelle, known from champagne.

During the launch, participants will have the opportunity to taste a selection of ciders from Hjelmeland, perfectly paired with Spanish gastronomic dishes. Arne Nese, a master chef known for his focus on local ingredients, will guide participants through the tastings, food and drink pairings, and a panel discussion about the place of cider in European gastronomy. Arne Nese is responsible for the menu and pairings, working alongside the kitchen at Esferic.

The initiative is not just symbolic. Already, four pallets of Norwegian cider are on their way from Hjelmeland to Spain, ready to be served during the launch and for continued discussions with importers and restaurants. This marks the beginning of a targeted export journey, with the goal of establishing a strong presence in the Spanish market.

“We’ve long believed that Norwegian cider has significant untapped potential globally. Showing our products in Barcelona is incredibly motivating,” says Dan Olav Sæbø from Apal Sideri.

Bodil Kvame from OmCider adds:

“We’ve spent many years developing authentic, complex, and sustainable products. Now, we look forward to meeting the Spanish restaurant market – and letting the ciders speak for themselves.”

Quality, Collaboration, and Export Ambition
At TEAL, part of the national Business Incubation Program, we have assisted with business development, export preparations, and strategy ahead of the launch.

“This demonstrates what’s possible when local producers dare to think big and get support to realize their ambitions. It’s inspiring to see quality products from Hjelmeland now gaining international attention,” says Bent O. Hansen, COO of TEAL.

Exporter Arctic Appetites has worked closely with the producers to organize the event and build relationships in the Spanish market.

“Norwegian cider is still a well-kept secret internationally. We want to change that – and this is an important first step,” says Jon Magnus Solgaard, CEO of Arctic Appetites.

Quality and Character in Every Drop
Ryfylke has emerged as a new force in Norwegian cider production – with apples grown in fresh fjord air and a cool climate that gives the ciders a distinct character. Apal Sideri and OmCider – both from Hjelmeland.

Apal Sideri, founded by Dan Olav Sæbø on his family farm, produces elegant, dry ciders with a clear craft touch. The flagship cider “Sølvsider” won gold at CiderWorld in Frankfurt, and the company had the highest percentage growth in its category at Vinmonopolet in 2024.

OmCider, operated by Bodil and Andreas Kvame at Fevoll Gård, combines modern production with a focus on quality and taste. In 2024, their cider “Odel” won gold at the International Beer & Cider Awards in Manchester – one of the world’s most prestigious competitions.

Together, they demonstrate that ciders from Ryfylke are on their way to the international top tier – with pride, precision, and ingredients with genuine origin.